Frederik's surprise party on the Dannebrog

Billed Bladet, B.T. and other Danish media reported Crown Prince Frederik celebrated his 40th birthday with a surprise private party on the Royal Yacht Dannebrog with his wife, parents, his parents-in-law and close friends. Instead of sailing, the Dannebrog lay at its usual buoy in Copenhagen's harbour because the weather was too heavy out on the Øresund on the day. They were no less festive however and still have another larger party to celebrate this coming Saturday evening in the Orangery at Fredensborg Palace.

After appearing on the balcony at Amalienborg Frederik thought that the rest of the day was to go quietly according to plan. But aboard the Dannebrog preparations were ready for a party to celebrate his 40th. A large cake, presents, flowers and wine were carried on board when the ship docked near Holmen. Because of the rough weather the ship had to return to its harbour mooring where 37 family and close friends boarded via the royal yacht's barge from Toldboden. According to reports the final happy visitors left the ship again at about 2:00am. Newly married brother Joachim and his bride Marie were not present, and will not be on Saturday either, since they are on their honeymoon.

Added: A couple more details from Billed Bladet (22, 2008) '40 fin og festlig' - 40 fine and festive (the usual expression 'Fyrre, fed og færdig' = Forty, fat and finished, by Anna Johannesen)
Frederik's birthday cake was in the shape of a sailing boat, complete with a number of marzipan guardsmen as mates. The cake was made by Miachael the conscript baker onboard Dannebrog.
It was Frederik himself who wished to celebrate his birthday onboard Dannebrog and the plan was to sail up the sound between Denmark and Sweden, but that unfortunately had to be cancelled because the weather was heavy and windy. This was presumably in consideration of the waiters and less 'seaworthy' guests as Danneborg has braved much worse weather many times before.
The biggest problem with the guests was the wind, rain and wet cobble stones (think stilletos) in getting them onboard safely.



Above: The Queen, Prince Henrik, John and Susan Donaldson, Frederik and Mary board the barge at Toldboden.



Above from top: Holger Foss and Rose Gad, Peter Warnøe and girlfriend Julia Tholstrup, Count Ditlev Ahlefeldt-Laurvig and wife Countess Jean, Ellen Hillingsø's (behind) cousin and Mary's friend Rikke Juel Brandt, Jeppe and Birgitte Handwerk, Elisabeth Buchwald (left) and Julie Mølsggard, Helle Reedtz-Thott in a Henrik Hviid dress and with husband Baron Otto Reedtz-Thott, Ellen Hillingsø, Jørgen and Malou Skeel, Caroline and Peter Heering.

Photos © Hanne Juul/Billed Bladet and Hello/Rex

Billed Bladet photo gallery
Hello! magazine 'Frederik and Mary set sail for a royal 40th birthday party at sea'

And a little more from the Amalienborg balcony from Bunte.de





International Herald Tribune ' Thousands of Danes congratulate Crown Prince Frederik on 40th birthday'
The Associated Press - May 26, 2008
COPENHAGEN, Denmark: Thousands of Danes have gathered outside the royal palace in Copenhagen to congratulate Crown Prince Frederik on his 40th birthday.
Throngs of well-wishers were braving pouring rain Monday in the square outside the Amalienborg Palace.
The prince waved to the cheering crowd from a balcony together with his wife, Australian-born Crown Princess Mary, and their children: 2-year-old Prince Christian and 1-year-old Princess Isabella.
Frederik's parents, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik, also joined in the celebrations.
The Copenhagen Post 'Poll: prince 'good guy' should wait to be king'

Madeleine Glindorf's gallery from the Amalienborg balcony
Søren Steffen's Amalienborg gallery

(Thanks Muhler!)